Thursday, June 15, 2017

You must plan at least one night in the underwater room while at The Manta
Resort on Pemba Island

One word. Kwanini. This one beautiful word was the icing on the cake. There was already a lot to love: the internationally acclaimed Underwater Room; the Indian Ocean with hues of blues; a vast length of fragile coral reef under conservation; a multitude of activities on land and sea - including world-class diving for all abilities; privately owned and operated with staff that have come to be family; cozy thatch roof cottages, delightful meals and evening ocean breezes - we were already sold! But, Kwanini, and the way in which managing director Matthew Saus described the word, with such passion and dedication - this is how we knew The Manta Resort was the perfect fit for the Kusini Collection.

We are thrilled to welcome The Manta Resort, on Pemba Island off Tanzania, to our portfolio. Read on below for a taste of what it means to be Kwanini and a number of highlights to share with your travelers.

The Manta Resort

We couldn't put it better than in Manta's own words "The Manta Resort offers something different from most tropical islands - it's not about five-star luxury. If it's serenity, close encounters with nature and a family of staff you crave, The Manta Resort is the place for you. Switch off the noisy, polluted electronic world and enter a completely different one - not as a tourist, but as a guest with simple needs: sunshine, fresh air, natural food, a comfortable bed and friendly company." OK, so we think they are being humble. This is the African Island experience you've been looking for! Watch this video and we'll think you'll agree.

Accommodations

Villas
With options for all travelers, the property offers three styles of villas: Seafront Villas, Superior Garden Rooms, and Standard Garden Rooms. They boast spacious, open-plan living and Pemban decor using local materials. For a tour of each, click here. A perfect spot to settle in to the rhythm of island life.

Underwater Room

For an incredibly unique experience, every guest should plan at least one night in the one-of-a-kind Underwater Room. The floating structure, Swedish engineered, provides three levels, those above the water clad in local hardwood, and each an experience in itself. Full details can be found here. Talk about fun fodder for the marketing department!

Activities

So much to see and do! Explore the remote and fascinating island of Pemba, with various tours and excursions on offer. These can all be arranged at the resort to suit each travelers' personal interests. Some of the activities include:

On SeaKayak Safari. Sandbank Trip. Snorkeling for Conservation. Ngalawa Sunset Cruise. Catch and Release Fishing. And of course, diving for all levels including certification!

What is Kwanini?

Pemba is still unexploited by tourism on a social level, but the tipping point is near and the future of the island depends heavily on the impact that tourism will have. Through the exposure of the Underwater Room project, Manta have been able to communicate the culture of responsible, sustainable tourism and what it means to this very traditional Muslim Swahili culture which they call "KWANINI" (meaning "WHY" in Swahili).

Kwanini has become who Manta is and it is the key question they ask themselves. Why are we here? Why do we do the things we do? Why will it make a difference for the island and for future generations?

In answering those questions, they have created the Kwanini Foundation with a clear vision. They aim to make a positive contribution to the future of Pemba Island by preserving the environment and the integrity of the Pemban people.

As a follow up to Manta's 2016 Innovation Award for Brand Africa, Olivia Squire from We Are Africa followed up with a great interview. Read it here: Keeping it Kwanini.

Location and Itineraries

How do you get to Manta?

Pemba Island, located off the coast of Tanzania, is accessed through most airports in East Africa via Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam. Pemba island can also be accessed with direct local flights with several charter airlines that operate smaller aircrafts. The most frequent route is Zanzibar - Pemba, and is serviced by these airlines: Zanair, Coastal Air, Auric Air. You may want to organize a night in Stone Town, Zanzibar to break up the journey.

The private transfer from ChakeChake Airport to the resort is handled by a third party, the same company for over 10 years with a fleet of cars which are predominantly 4X4 Toyota Prado's Be prepared for a 1.5 hour ride through Pemba with the last 30 min being a bumpy ride through the Ngezi rainforest before reaching Manta on the northern most tip of the island. We will organize this service for you so that a car will be waiting for you upon arrival. Please note that this service will be added to your invoice.

Itinerary Ideas
There are so many ways in which you can incorporate the Manta Resort into your existing safaris or even offer it as a stand alone destination - as it rightfully deserves! Click here for Manta's 2017 specials and then contact us to discuss ways to include this very unique African beach destination in your East Africa safaris.

What's Next?

I know, it's a bit like finishing a great book and then you find yourself reading all the "book club" questions even though you're not in one!